Apr 2, 2025 3 min read Meditation insights

10 Alternative Ways to Practice Meditation (Part 1)

The method you choose to enter a meditative state is less important than how consistently you allow yourself to do so.

Developing a daily meditation practice requires patience and commitment. Like any skill, it benefits from mindful preparation and disciplined habits. Fortunately, meditation doesn’t always require sitting cross-legged on the floor with your senses shut off. The traditional image of meditation—often depicted in ancient art and modern yoga classes—represents a deep and advanced practice.

If you've been following my blog since Lesson 0. Why is meditation so hard?, you'll know that achieving stillness in meditation involves a series of steps and shifts in perspective. True stillness, the kind that makes seated meditation effective, takes time to cultivate. To support those who struggle with sitting meditation, I’ve compiled 10 alternative ways to meditate. These practices help condition both the mind and body for meditation and stillness. Here are the first five:

10 - Stargazing

As a child, I loved nothing more than gazing up at the stars at night. Even when light pollution made it difficult to see them clearly, my patience and focus were sharpened as I waited for the stars to pierce through the clouds. Alternatively, cloud-gazing or simply staring at the moon can offer similar moments of contemplation and stillness. Watching the sky reminds us of our place in the universe, naturally inducing a meditative state.

9 - Making Art

Creating art—whether painting, drawing, or even colouring outside the lines—is a deeply meditative act. It helps quiet the mind, strengthens focus, and taps into an inner vision. Art, in all its forms, is an expression of the self, and every creation begins from within. As you lose yourself in the creative process, you may find a profound sense of calm and connection to something greater.

8 - Power Posing

Many of us are familiar with the TED Talk on power posing and its confidence-boosting effects, but did you know that this practice is also a form of meditation? Standing in a strong, confident posture while visualising yourself in an empowered state strengthens the mind-body connection. When you embody the vision of your highest self, you integrate it into your being—much like a meditation practice focused on manifestation and self-affirmation.

7 - Walking Meditation

Walking is a powerful tool for mental well-being, especially when life feels overwhelming. A simple shift in perspective can turn an ordinary walk into a meditative experience. Imagine the world moving beneath your feet, as if the planet itself is your treadmill, while you remain centered in stillness. This approach enhances the sensation of stability and control, which can be especially beneficial for neurodivergent minds, such as those with autism or ADHD. Remember, it’s your reality—everyone else is just a part of it.

6 - Praying

Prayer is one of the oldest forms of meditation, yet it remains one of the most underrated. At its core, meditation and prayer share many similarities: conscious breathing, self-reflection, and connecting with a higher power—whether external or within. Prayer allows you to tap into a state of gratitude, surrender, and mindfulness, aligning you with meditative frequencies. If you haven't already, check out my previous post on Istikhara, a form of prayer and meditation rooted in spiritual guidance.

Next week, I'll be sharing my top five alternative ways to meditate. In the meantime, explore the practices above and reflect on how they make you feel. The method you choose to enter a meditative state is less important than how consistently you allow yourself to do so. The key to meditation is presence—so begin wherever you are and let the journey unfold.

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Please note: Esoteric concepts are not meant to be taken literally or as absolute truths. However, they can provide valuable perspectives and context, helping our limited human minds grasp complex ideas.